Cessna 340 vs Diamond DA62
The Cessna 340 (pressurised cabin-class piston twin, ~225 kt) and Diamond DA62 (unpressurised seven-seat composite twin Austro AE330 diesel, ~190 kt) are very different aircraft — Avgas vs Jet-A, pressurised vs unpressurised.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 340
- For sale now
- 81
- Median asking
- $300,000
- Range
- $168,823–$523,000
- Model years available
- 1972–1984
Diamond DA62
- For sale now
- 62
- Median asking
- $1,401,151
- Range
- $1,042,000–$1,880,564
- Model years available
- 2016–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 340 | Diamond DA62 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 191 | — |
| Serious | 7 | — |
| Fatal | 72 | — |
| Fatalities | 179 | — |
| % Fatal | 38% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 340 | Diamond DA62 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $168,823 – $523,000 | $1,042,000 – $1,880,564 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 195 kts (361 km/h) | 175 kts (324 km/h) |
| Range | 1,180 nm (2,185 km) | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) | 5,070 lbs (2,300 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) | 1,300 lbs (590 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 163.0 gal (617 L) | 79.0 gal (299 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | $160 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Diesel |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$92,000/yr
Diamond DA62
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 340 or Diamond DA62?
Bottom line: Choose the DA62 for modern composite construction, Jet-A diesel economics and the seven-seat cabin — modern light twin. Choose the 340 for pressurisation, higher cruise and the cabin-class executive feel — accepting much higher operating cost and Avgas dependence.
Pick the 340 if…
- Budget matters — from $168,823 vs $1,042,000, you save ~$873,177.
- Faster cruise — 195 kts vs 175 kts.
- Longer range — 1180 nm vs 1100 nm.
Pick the DA62 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $320/hr.
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- Newer design — production from 2015 vs 1972.
- More inventory — 69 listings vs 17.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 340 and Diamond DA62?
Era and engine type. The Cessna 340A is a 1970s–1980s pressurized piston twin with turbocharged Continental TSIO-520-NB gasoline engines (~310 hp each). The Diamond DA62 is a modern composite twin with Austro AE330 diesel engines (~180 hp each), seven seats, approximately 195 kt cruise, and Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. The DA62 is a newer, fuel-efficient aircraft; the 340 is pressurized, which the DA62 is not.
Cessna 340 or DA62 — which twin?
Buy the Cessna 340 if a pressurized cabin is the requirement — the DA62 is unpressurized, limiting its usefulness for extended flight above 12,500 ft. Buy the DA62 if modern diesel engines (Jet-A fuel, worldwide availability), modern avionics, composite construction, and seven seats in an unpressurized airframe are the priorities. The 340's pressurization and the DA62's modern systems are the competing advantages.
What are the DA62's diesel engines' practical advantages?
The Austro AE330 diesel burns Jet-A — available at virtually every airport worldwide, versus avgas, which is increasingly scarce and expensive in many markets. The diesel is modern with a long TBO. For operators in markets where avgas availability is a concern, the DA62's diesel capability is a genuine operational advantage.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 340A: Continental TSIO-520-NB (~310 hp each), six seats, pressurized, gasoline, ~200 kt. Diamond DA62: Austro AE330 diesel (~180 hp each), seven seats, unpressurized, Jet-A, ~195 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The DA62 is less expensive per hour — diesel engines have a lower fuel cost than avgas in most markets, and the Austro AE330 has lower maintenance complexity than the TSIO-520. The 340's older systems and avgas dependency add cost. For operators whose primary concern is operating economy, the DA62 is the modern, economical twin.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 340 when pressurization and altitude performance are the mission requirement — no modern composite twin replicates the 340's pressurized capability at comparable cost. DA62 when modern construction, diesel efficiency, seven seats, and glass avionics define the requirement and pressurization is not needed. They compete on different mission profiles.
Which is better, Cessna 340 or Diamond DA62?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 340 cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range.
The DA62 cruises at 175 kts with 1,100 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 340: from $490,000.
Diamond DA62: from $1,299,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340 and Diamond DA62?
340 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-K (285 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 7.
Cruise: 195 vs 175 kts.
Range: 1180 vs 1100 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340: about $320/hr variable cost.
DA62: about $160/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
340: 6 seats / 1,840 lb useful load.
DA62: 7 seats / 1,300 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
340: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
DA62: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data